"His Highness Ning Zheng is mighty!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
At first, only a few thousand people shouted, but then tens of thousands followed suit.
The last time Ning Qi returned to the capital, he was welcomed like this.
This time, it was the same for Ning Zheng's triumphant return.
It was clear that the people only wanted one thing — victory.
Ning Yuanxian enjoyed this moment very much.
He glanced at the officials.
Some of them were indifferent, while others were deep in thought.
The situation was very clear.
His Majesty had already made arrangements for Ning Zheng.
Shenlang's Nirvana Army didn't return to the capital, but remained stationed in Tianxi Province.
What did this prove?
It proved that His Majesty was guarding against the Zhong family.
Once Ning Zheng was made Crown Prince, the Zhong family would be desperate.
If Shenlang's army didn't enter the capital, Tianyue City would be empty.
When Ning Qi returned in triumph, he had led thousands of cavalry into the capital.
Not only that, but Xue Che was also the governor of Tianyue City.
Although the Black Water Arena's Yan E was loyal to the king, he was also biased towards Ning Qi.
Within the capital, there were less than ten thousand city guards loyal to Ning Zheng.
That was why the Monarch had invited Queen Aru Nana to Tianyue City. On the surface, it was because they were allies, but in reality, it was to borrow troops.
Borrow ten thousand cavalry from the Qiang Kingdom.
Of course, this was against the rules.
Luring an army of a foreign race into the capital, it was really shocking.
In history, all kings who invited foreign armies into the capital didn't have a good ending.
But still, there was no such thing as a one-size-fits-all rule.
In order to let Ning Zheng succeed, Ning Yuanxian made this decision.
Of course, he would be criticized for this.
But so be it. It didn't matter.
As long as Ning Zheng was made Crown Prince, it didn't matter if Ning Yuanxian was scolded as an incapable ruler.
Ever since he got Parkinson's, he knew he didn't have much time left, so he was more open-minded.
Ning Yuanxian's arrangements didn't stop there.
He had already sent secret orders to Bian Xiao and Zhang Chong.
Especially to Zhang Chong.
Last time, in order to deal with King Wu's Southern Punitive Expedition, Zhang Chong led 30,000 troops into the Northern Heaven Province to assist in the defense of Ning Qi.
After that, Ning Qi left for the battlefield in the West Heaven Province. However, Zhang Chong did not leave.
The Monarch decreed that Zhang Chong would be concurrently appointed as the Provincial Commander of Tian Bei Province. At a critical moment, he could take over the entire Tian Bei Province.
After all, Ning Qi has been the governor of the Northern Heaven Province for more than a year.
Once something happened, Zhang Chong would immediately take control of the entire Northern Heaven Province's military power.
There was also Tiannan Province!
Currently, the Governor of Tiannan Province was still Zhu Jung, but the Monarch had decreed that Jin Zhuo would be the Pacifying General of the South.
Once something happened to the South Heaven Province, Jin Zhuo's family's private army could rely on a secret decree to take over the entire South Heaven Province and directly enter the Governor's Office.
That was not all.
Monarch Ning Yuanxian even sent a secret envoy to negotiate with Prince Jin.
If Jin Zhuo is unable to control the situation in Tiannan Province, he will ask Prince Jin to provide support from the south.
During the time when Ning Zheng was not there.
Monarch Ning Yuanxian began to make arrangements in the north, south, east and west.
He even made a lot of decisions that violated the kingdom's rules.
There was only one goal, to let Ning Zheng smoothly inherit the throne.
In order to achieve this goal, Ning Yuanxian made a lot of bold moves.
In the future, he would definitely leave a heavy infamy in the history books.
… …..
Most of the civil and military officials below shrunk their necks.
They had already felt the danger. Monarch no longer intended to be reasonable.
He had already planned to forcibly confer the title of Ning Zheng.
It's fine if you civil and military officials agree, but if you don't.
Don't blame the Monarch's knife for being too sharp.
A three-legged toad is hard to find, but are you afraid of not being able to find a two-legged person?
After killing you all, are you afraid of not being able to find someone to be an official?
Are you going to follow the Zhu clan and the Zhong clan to the end?
Or are you going to change your thinking and obey the Monarch's will?
Monarch Ning Yuanxian looked at Ning Qi and said, "Uncle Wang, what do you think of your grandson?"
He pointed at Ning Zheng.
Ning Qi's gaze was complicated. He really had no selfish motives. He really felt that Ning Zheng was not bad.
But now it seemed that Ning Zheng was not bad either. In his heart, he was biased towards Ning Qi. Because Ning Qi was more capable, letting him take over the throne would not cause too much of a stir.
If Ning Zheng succeeded the throne, the world would definitely be turned upside down. Moreover, Ning Zheng was too upright.
But was he really going to completely disobey the Monarch?
Immediately, Uncle Ning Qi bowed and said, "His Highness Ning Zheng is resolute and decisive. He is a good son of His Majesty."
Ning Yuanxian was overjoyed. He said to Ning Gang, "Uncle Ning Gang, what do you think of Zheng 'er?"
Ning Gang was different from Ning Qi. He was a resolute person and admired Ning Qi, but he also admired Ning Zheng. When Ning Zheng was trapped in the Chu royal capital, he supported Ning Qi. But now that Ning Zheng was back, and the Monarch had expressed his stance so clearly.
Ning Gang would definitely not go against Ning Yuanxian again.
"His Highness Ning Zheng is very good," Ning Gang said.
In this way, both the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Cabinet had magnates supporting Ning Zheng. Together with Bian Xiao, Jin Zhuo, and Zhang Chong, there would be five magnates supporting Ning Zheng. Although they were still not as powerful as Ning Qi, they were no longer alone.
"Come, come, come. Officials, come and meet King Qiang," Ning Yuanxian said with a smile.
Immediately, the officials bowed to King Qiang, Aruna Nana. "Greetings, King Qiang."
Aruna Nana nodded, but she was not too friendly.
She was a person with a cold face but a warm heart.
"King Qiang, it is my honor that you can attend the Sacrificial Ceremony of the State of Yue," Ning Yuanxian said. "Then let us go to the Ancient Altar together. This way!"
"King Yue, this way!"
King Qiang Nana was half a step behind Ning Yuanxian.
"Let's go to the Ancient Altar."
Then, the music started again.
Ning Yuanxian led the civil and military officials and a few thousand imperial guards to the Ancient Altar on foot.
Aruna Nana was a little uneasy.
Because she was too tall, she usually walked very fast. Now, if she was not careful, she would overtake King Yue.
Every time she accidentally walked too far, she had to control herself and walk too cautiously.
Damn it, I won't come again no matter what.
Ning Yuanxian, on the other hand, felt that his steps were light, as if the many ailments on his body were much better.
But he still reached out to his son and said, "I'm getting old. It's a little difficult to walk. Ning Zheng, help me."
Ning Zheng was stunned. Then, he hurried forward and helped Ning Yuanxian walk.
Countless people saw this scene.
Everyone was even more certain that Monarch Ning Yuanxian wanted to make Ning Zheng the crown prince.
Ning Qi, who was dressed in a golden robe, did not react to this scene. His face was as solemn as a mountain as he walked behind obediently.
Zhu Hongzhu, Zhong E, Xue Che, and the other powerhouses were also expressionless.
Especially Xue Che. He had just led a team to kill Ning Zheng a few days ago. But now, it was as if nothing had happened.
… …
More than an hour later!
The monarch, Ning Yuanxian, arrived at the Ancient Sacrificial Altar with a mighty army.
The grand Heaven-worshipping Ceremony began once again.
But this time, it was not Ning Yu who presided over the hall, but Ning Gang.
Ning Yu had disappointed Ning Yuanxian a lot, so he would probably dismiss him. The fact that he was not asked to preside over the Sacrificial Ceremony this time was a strong signal.
The whole Sacrificial Ceremony was grand and solemn.
It was carried out according to the rules of etiquette.
Ning Yuanxian completed it meticulously. He even tried his best to restrain his trembling.
The first step was to welcome the Emperor. The second step was to lay the jade and silk. The third step was to enter the sacrificial table. The fourth step was to offer the first gift.
At this time, it was time for Ning Zheng to recite the Sacrificial Letter.
Today, Shen Lang did not prepare anything for him. He did not even give him medicine.
Nor did Eunuch Li Mu dub his voice.
Because it was no longer necessary.
Although Ning Zheng had been the Tianyue Commander for some time during the Sacrificial Ceremony two years ago, he had just entered the political field and had little experience.
He had experienced too much in the past two years.
Not to mention the fierce struggles in the court, he had been criticized and even beaten by the crowd in front of the Monarch more than once.
He had fought two or three battles of life and death. A few days ago, he had experienced the most terrible assassination.
Which of these experiences was not a great disaster?
Compared to them, his stuttering was nothing.
Even he himself had forgotten when his stuttering problem had disappeared.
This time, the Sacrificial Letter was not written by Shen Lang, but by Ning Zheng and Lunatic Lan.
Of course, it was not as magnificent as the last one.
But it was still excellent.
The process of reciting the Sacrificial Letter was very smooth.
And after two miraculous victories, Ning Zheng seemed to have a halo on his head.
Even if his performance was only eight points, it was very effective.
Although many people were praying in their hearts.
Let it thunder and rain.
Let it be an earthquake.
That could be regarded as the wrath of Heaven.
But none of this happened.
The entire Grand Sacrificial Ceremony was bright and sunny, and the wind was gentle and the sun beautiful.
The hot July was not even too hot.
It was a perfect Sacrificial Ceremony.
The fifth step of the hall, the sixth step … the ninth step.
At noon, the Sacrificial Ceremony came to an end.
Ning Yuanxian returned to the palace with the help of Ning Zheng again.
… …
Inside the palace.
Monarch Ning Yuanxian looked at Ning Zheng for a long time and said, "You've worked hard."
In public, Ning Yuanxian was very close to Ning Zheng.
But when it was just the two of them in private, the situation was still a little awkward.
After all, Ning Yuanxian was not only cold to Ning Zheng, but also regarded him as grass. Now, it was too much to ask for them to become close father and son.
"What do you think of the next situation?" Ning Yuanxian asked.
Ning Zheng said, "Once and for all, the external environment is the best. His Majesty has changed from being a king to a hegemon. All the kings in the world are trembling with fear. Even King Wu is thinking about how to protect himself at the moment, and will not think about attacking the State of Yue. King Chu and Prince Jin will not start a war against us. So even if a civil war breaks out in the State of Chu, we will not be threatened by external enemies. "
Ning Yuanxian was shocked when he heard this.
Civil war?
So decisive?
Ning Zheng said, "Governing a great country is like cooking a small fish. For some things, I think we should take it slow. But for some things, we should sweep them away with the force of a thunderbolt. The torrential flood is scary, but it can also clean up the filth in the river. "
Monarch Ning Yuanxian said, "You mean to completely destroy the Zhong Clan and the Xue Clan?"
Ning Zheng was amazed. His father had many flaws, but he was definitely smart.
Because Ning Yuanxian did not mention destroying the Zhu Clan.
The Zhu Clan was a civil official. Although they were powerful in the imperial court, they did not have military power.
So as long as the Zhong Clan and the Xue Clan were destroyed, Ning Qi would not be able to overturn the situation.
Ning Yuanxian closed his eyes. He had given Xue Che a chance before.
But … Xue Che did not grasp it.
Or perhaps, Xue Che did not have the confidence to do so.
"A few days ago, Xue Che personally led his men to kill you?" Ning Yuanxian asked.
Ning Zheng said, "Yes. The result was tragic. In order to protect me, Li Qianqiu, Da Zhuang, Bitter Head Joy, Madam Li Qianqiu, and the others were all seriously injured. If the White Jade Capital's men had not arrived at the crucial moment, Wu Tuzi and the Stupa Mountain Grandmaster would have gone on a killing spree. In the end, the Big Fool might have escaped with me, and everyone else would have died. "
Every time he thought of this, Ning Zheng's heart would tremble uncontrollably. He could not even regain his composure.
He could not imagine how devastated he would be if Li Qianqiu, his wife, Bitter Head Joy, Tang Yan, and the others died because of him.
Therefore, he was not yet a ruler with a heart as hard as steel.
Ning Yuanxian smiled bitterly.
Did Xue Che have any respect for him, a Monarch, by doing this?
Xue Che was truly an extremely intelligent person. He had already climbed up the tree branch of the Great Yan Empire and no longer had any respect for him, a Monarch.
Originally, Ning Yuanxian was unwilling to have a civil war.
However, with Ning Zheng in power, the Zhong Clan and the Xue Clan would definitely not resign themselves to death.
Who would have thought that the State of Yue would have to face another civil war after the devastating war?
"If we can destroy the Xue Clan and the Zhong Clan, how do you plan to deal with Ning Qi?" Ning Yuanxian asked.
Ning Zheng replied, "I'll cripple him of his martial arts and imprison him for life."
Ning Yuanxian's expression was somewhat pained, but he still nodded.
Ning Qi was different from his other sons. He was too intelligent and powerful. He would definitely not be satisfied with being a wealthy and idle person.
If he was allowed to roam freely and grow stronger, he would definitely stir up trouble.
Ning Zheng had only crippled his martial arts and imprisoned him for life. This was already considered relatively merciful.
Back then, Ning Yuanxian had not let Ning Yuanwu off. He had killed him directly.
Ning Yuanxian unfolded the map.
Once a civil war broke out, there would be three battlefields: West Heaven Province, Raging Tide City, and the South Sea Sword Sect.
The capital, Tianyue City, might become a battlefield, but it might not.
After this war, the State of Yue would have to recuperate for a long time.
However, there could be no construction without destruction.
The Zhong Clan was the largest warlord in the State of Yue. If they could be destroyed, it would be very beneficial to the future of the State of Yue.
When the Great Yan Empire was ready to conquer the world, the Chu, Yue, Qiang, and Da Nan Kingdoms could join forces.
Ning Yuanxian said, "Once I confer you the title of Crown Prince, how do you think Ning Qi will react? Will he flee and start a rebellion? "
Ning Zheng wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Speak. At this time, what else can you not say?" Ning Yuanxian said.
Ning Zheng said, "Father, I think the other party will attack you."
Ning Yuanxian's expression changed when he heard this.
Ning Zheng continued, "No one can stop your will now. Ning Qi and King Uncle Ning Gang will eventually choose to stand on your side. You have also borrowed King Qiang's ten thousand cavalrymen. It is impossible for the officials to defy the decree. Whoever dares to defy the decree will be beheaded. The officials of the State of Yue are not that stubborn. Therefore, attacking you is a way to get rid of the enemy once and for all. "
Ning Yuanxian nodded slowly.
That was right. That was indeed the case.
Ning Qi's greatest characteristic was that he was unscrupulous.
He was ruthless to himself, ruthless to his enemies, and ruthless to everyone.
Of course, this included him, the Emperor.
Previously, robbing and killing Ning Zheng was the most cost-effective method, but this strategy failed.
Now, Ning Zheng was protected by Li Qianqiu and his wife, Grandmaster Zhong Chuke, Da Zhuang, Ku Tou Huan, and other experts.
It was impossible to assassinate Ning Zheng in the capital.
Therefore, attacking Ning Yuanxian was the most cost-effective method.
"In my opinion, it is impossible for them to assassinate Father directly," Ning Zheng said, "but the poison of Stupa Mountain is hard to guard against."
Wasn't it hard to guard against?
King Chu was killed by the poison of Stupa Mountain.
Ning Zheng said, "Therefore, during this crucial period, I will only ask you to eat Concubine Bian's cooking. Li Sun, Li En, and Eunuch Li Mu must be by your side at all times. And … it is best not to meet Xue Che, Ning Qi, or Zhu Hongzhu. "
Monarch Ning Yuanxian laughed, "You are making arrangements for me."
Ning Zheng said, "I dare not, but I have no choice."
Monarch Ning Yuanxian said, "Fine, I will do as you say. During this period, I will only eat Concubine Bian's cooking and spend the night in her palace. I will not meet with any suspicious officials in private. I want to see if Ning Qi and the others will really rebel. "
… …
Ning Zheng returned to Marquis Changping's residence.
The entire capital fell into an eerie silence.
Those with a keen sense of smell could already sense that a storm was brewing.
The arrival of the Qiang Kingdom's ten thousand cavalrymen was too unusual.
Even if they invited the Queen of the Qiang Kingdom to visit the State of Yue, was it necessary to bring ten thousand cavalrymen?
Moreover, Shenlang's Nirvana Army had been staying in Tianxi Province all this time.
What did this mean?
Also, wasn't His Highness Ning Qi too calm?
This included Zhu Hongzhu, Zhong E, Xue Che, and the others.
There had been no reaction from beginning to end today. There was no sense of impending disaster.
Instead, there was a sense of confidence?
No, that was not the right word.
It should be 'resolute'.
… …
That night!
The King of Chu held a small banquet to entertain the Queen of the Qiang Kingdom.
Ning Yuanxian had only drunk three cups of fruit wine throughout the entire banquet.
All three cups of wine had been prepared by Li Sun.
Fortunately, Aru Nana did not care about such extravagance. The banquet ended in less than two hours.
Under Li Sun and Li Mu's protection, Ning Yuanxian returned to his study to deal with government affairs.
This was to ensure his absolute safety.
Ning Yuanxian did not even touch the memorials of his officials. Li Sun would copy them all and hand them over to him.
Moreover, he did not receive anyone.
Apart from Li Sun, Li Mu, Li En, and Concubine Bian, no one could get within five steps of him.
That night!
When Ning Yuanxian summoned the Governor of the Black Water Platform, Yan E was more than ten meters away.
Yan E even knelt in the hall outside.
"Yan E, I know that you are very close to Yan Nanfei and Xue Che," Ning Yuanxian said. Ning Yuanxian said, "And Xue Che is your old boss. So I want to ask you, is the Black Water Platform still mine?"
Yan E kowtowed heavily and said, "The Black Water Platform will always be Your Majesty's."
Ning Yuanxian said, "This is a bit exaggerated. I trusted Xue Che before, so many people in the Black Water Platform came from the South Sea Sword Sect. In many people's minds, the Black Water Platform is just a position, and the South Sea Sword Sect is their eternal origin. "
Yan E said, "But at least the people I lead will always obey Your Majesty's orders."
Ning Yuanxian said, "Who do you think is more suitable to inherit the throne, Ning Zheng or Ning Qi?"
Yan E said, "I don't have my own will. Whoever Your Majesty thinks is suitable is suitable."
Ning Yuanxian said, "I plan to make Ning Zheng the crown prince. What do you think?"
Yan E said, "I will unconditionally obey any will of Your Majesty."
Ning Yuanxian waved his hand and said, "Okay, then you can go."
Yan E kowtowed and said, "I will take my leave."
After a while.
Ning Yuanxian summoned Eldest Princess Ning Jie again.
"Ning Jie, who do you think is better, Ning Zheng or Ning Qi?"
Eldest Princess Ning Jie said, "Based on my own heart, I feel that Ning Qi is higher, but I completely obey Brother Wang's will."
Ning Yuanxian said, "What about me? I put you in the Black Water Platform to balance Xue Che's power. Later, in order to avoid Xue Che's power, I even completely transferred him away from the Black Water Platform for nearly ten years. Are there still many people loyal to you in the Black Water Platform now? "
Eldest Princess Ning Jie said, "Not many."
She was too indifferent, so there were people following her in the Black Water Platform, but there were not many.
Ning Yuanxian said, "I plan to make Ning Zheng the crown prince. Do you support me?"
Eldest Princess Ning Jie said, "I obey Brother Wang's will."
Ning Yuanxian said, "Well, if something happens in the future and Ning Qi wants to rebel, what will you do?"
Eldest Princess Ning Jie said, "I will do my best to suppress the rebellion for the country."
Ning Yuanxian nodded and said, "Thank you."
Eldest Princess Ning Jie left.
After summoning the two, Ning Yuanxian planned to go back to the harem to sleep.
After a while, there was a figure in the room.
She was his eternal pride, but also his eternal pain.
Princess Ning Han.
The heir of the Sky-sea Pavilion.
She walked in on her own accord.
But when she was five feet away from Ning Yuanxian, a powerful force appeared in the room.
Grand Eunuch Li Mu, a master.
He faithfully fulfilled his duty. Except for a limited number of people, no one was allowed to get close to His Majesty.
Ning Han looked in the direction of Eunuch Li Mu.
She glanced at him casually.
All of a sudden!
Eunuch Li Mu felt a sharp pain in his head, as if it was about to split open.
But Ning Han didn't get close to Ning Yuanxian. Instead, she stopped three feet in front of him.
"Father, have you made up your mind to make Ning Zheng the crown prince?" Ning Han asked.
Ning Yuanxian said with a wry smile, "Han 'er, you've only come back to see me twice in the past 20 years. The first time was to warn Shen Lang, and the second time was to warn me? Have you ever come to see me because you want to see me? "
Ning Han didn't say anything.
Ning Yuanxian said, "Ning Yi can't do it, and you're on Ning Qi's side?"
Princess Ning Han said, "Ning Yi can't do it, so Ning Qi is the most suitable. But for me, I don't care who inherits the throne in the State of Yue, but not Ning Zheng. "
"Oh?" Ning Yuanxian said with a smile, "It seems that in your heart, the State of Yue is far less important than the Empire of Great Yan. My subjects have to climb the social ladder, and my daughter is no exception. You're really loyal to the Empire. You know that Ning Zheng won't cooperate with the Emperor's will after he ascends to the throne. Do you really want the State of Yue to be annexed? Don't forget that you're also a member of the Ning clan's royal family, if you still want to admit it. "
Ning Han didn't explain, nor did she care about Ning Yuanxian's sarcasm.
After a long while, she said, "Father, on the contrary, I'm here for the State of Yue. Once Ning Zheng inherits the throne, the foundation of the Ning clan's royal family, which has lasted for hundreds of years, will be destroyed. "
Ning Yuanxian said, "Oh? Why? Just because he doesn't want to kneel? Just because he wants to fight against the supreme Emperor? "
Princess Ning Han said, "That's only one of the reasons. There's another reason."
Ning Yuanxian said, "What is it?"
Ning Han said, "Shen Lang."
Ning Yuanxian said, "Are you going to say that I have to kill Shen Lang now to let Ning Zheng inherit the throne?"
Princess Ning Han said, "I didn't say that."
Ning Yuanxian said, "I've made up my mind. You've never regarded yourself as my daughter. Now, don't interfere in my affairs. Although you're the heir of the Sky-sea Pavilion, the Emperor's decree clearly states that the transcendent forces can't interfere in the worldly affairs of the Kingdom. "
Then Ning Yuanxian said, "Well, I'm a little sleepy. I'm going to rest now."
He directly asked Ning Yi to leave.
He was extremely disappointed with his daughter.
He completely understood that Ning Han supported Ning Yi because they were born of the same mother.
But why did the Sky-sea Pavilion send someone to assassinate Ning Zheng?
What was the reason?
You and Ning Qi have the same father but different mothers, but you and Ning Zheng are also half-brothers.
Therefore, in Ning Yuanxian's eyes, everything Ning Han did was because she was loyal to the Empire.
Ning Han suddenly said, "Father, please believe me. I also love the State of Yue. Everything I do is for the century-old foundation of the Ning clan. Goodbye! "
Then, Princess Ning Han turned around and left.
Her words were so abrupt.
… …
The next morning's court session!
Everyone felt a suffocating atmosphere.
Because it was still dark.
The Qiang Kingdom's cavalry outside the city had already been divided into two groups, guarding the west and south sides of Tianyue.
Then, more than ten thousand city guards climbed onto the city wall.
The four gates of the capital were tightly shut.
Then, five thousand fully armed imperial guards entered the palace like a tide.
The atmosphere was so tense.
What was His Majesty going to do?
This court session was like a Hongmen Banquet.
Even though there was no banquet.
Was he going to suppress the decree of the officials by force?
Was he going to make Ning Zheng the crown prince by force?
Was he going to kill anyone who disobeyed the decree?
The civil and military officials in the capital were trembling in fear.
Couldn't they just stay at home instead of going to court?
Otherwise, what would happen if the Monarch forced everyone to take a side in court?
What if Zhu Hongzhu, Zhong E, Xue Che, and the others all disobeyed the decree?
What would the officials do?
Stand on the Monarch's side?
The Empire of Great Yan might deal with them in the future.
Stand on Ning Qi's side?
The Monarch's knife was about to come down. Everyone's heads were not hard.
It was fine to stand and cheer for the Third Prince, but it was not worth sacrificing their lives for him.
Many officials even felt that Prince Ning Zheng was not a bad choice.
Although he would be very strict after ascending to the throne, it would be difficult for everyone to be corrupt or lazy.
But it might be a good thing for the State of Yue.
But no matter how afraid they were, the officials still had to go to court.
… …
Outside the court was a dense crowd of imperial guards, fully armed and ready to charge in at any time.
This was the most direct form of intimidation.
In the court, the officials were silent.
There was only the sound of their heartbeats. They did not even dare to breathe too hard.
They waited for a long time.
The Monarch, Ning Yuanxian, finally appeared.
He sat on the throne.
"Your Majesty, we greet you."
The officials knelt down and paid their respects.
Ning Yuanxian was wearing a royal robe, but the armor underneath was exposed.
Was he being careless?
Of course not. This was a warning to the officials.
I have made all preparations.
Today's matter had to be done, even if it wasn't.
Who dares to disobey the decree?
Don't blame my knife for being too sharp.
"Everyone, please rise."
Then, Ning Yuanxian smiled and said, "This war of national fate has been going on for more than a year, and we have finally won. It was not easy. The State of Yue did not lose an inch of land. It is a blessing from the heavens and our ancestors."
The officials bowed and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty."
Ning Yuanxian said, "Ning Qi has made a great contribution in this war. Not bad, not bad!"
Then, Ning Yuanxian said, "The traitor Nangong Ao has surrendered, and the Privy Council has lost another position. Officials, is there any prince in the world who has entered the Privy Council?"
Don't you know whether there is?
In the Wu State in the north, when the old King Wu was still on the throne, his younger brother Wu Zhi was already in the Privy Council.
Now that the young King Wu succeeded the throne, Wu Zhi became the Privy Council Envoy.
"Your Majesty, there are such examples."
"Yes. That's good. If not, the State of Yue will not set a precedent. "Ning Yuanxian said," Ning Qi has made a great contribution, and we have to reward him. Ning Qi is removed from the position of Governor of North Heaven Province and appointed as the third deputy of the Privy Council. "
Hearing this, everyone was shocked.
Was it so obvious to suppress His Highness Ning Qi?
Removing the Governor of North Heaven Province directly?
Entering the Privy Council was a promotion, but he had no followers.
Ning Qi stepped forward and said, "Thank you, father."
Ning Yuanxian said, "In this way, the position of Governor of North Heaven Province is vacant. By the way, how long has Zhang Chong been the Governor of Yanzhou? "
"Two and a half years."
"Oh, so long?" Ning Yuanxian said, "Zhang Chong has done a good job in Yanzhou for more than two years. Very good, very good. So Zhang Chong will be the acting Governor of North Heaven Province. "
This time, Ning Yuanxian appointed Zhang Chong directly without going through the Registrar's Office.
Then, Ning Yuanxian looked at Zhu Hongzhu and others.
Aren't you going to object?
Zhu Hongzhu lowered his head and said nothing, as if he didn't hear anything and had no intention to object.
After a long time, Ning Yuanxian and others jumped out to object.
In the end, none of them objected.
Ning Yuanxian continued, "In this battle of the fate of the nation, Ning Zheng contributed the most. He repelled Prince Jin's main force and protected South Heaven Province. He also attacked the Chu royal capital and caused the Chu army to retreat. In the end, he signed a new truce with the Chu king, so that the State of Yue didn't lose an inch of land. He protected the dignity of the Ning clan and the integrity of the State of Yue. "
"Such a contribution must be rewarded."
"Issue a decree to confer Ning Zheng the title of Duke of the State of Yue!"
Hearing this, all the officials trembled slightly.
It was finally here!
The title of Duke of the State of Yue was only half a step away from the title of Crown Prince.
The key was that His Majesty didn't intend to wait for a buffer.
Logically speaking, he should confer the title of Duke of the State of Yue first, and then wait for a year and a half, when everyone was mentally prepared, before conferring the title of Crown Prince.
But Ning Yuanxian obviously didn't intend to do that.
He wanted to push Ning Zheng to the title of Crown Prince in one fell swoop.
Because the cavalry of the Qiang Kingdom had to leave eventually.
How would the situation change in another year and a half?
To avoid more trouble, it was better to do it in one go.
Ning Yuanxian said, "I confer Ning Zheng the title of Duke of the State of Yue. Who agrees? Who objects?"
Everyone was still silent.
Ning Yuanxian's eyes were as sharp as a hawk's. Anyone who dared to stand up and object at this time would basically be beheaded.
They weren't so iron-headed.
Once the emperor turned hostile, it would be difficult for the officials to resist.
Emperor Wanli was such a powerful person, but he still valued mutual tolerance for the sake of the country. He didn't go to court for decades, nor did he start a massacre.
Emperor Chong Zhen, on the other hand, broke the limit of his patience and directly attacked the officials.
How many officials had he killed when he was on the throne?
Most emperors didn't naturally like to kill, but they had no choice.
Once they started killing, it meant that the situation had collapsed to the point of no return.
Emperor Chong Zhen wasn't as powerful as Wanli, but once he attacked the officials, they still couldn't resist.
His eyes were full of murderous intent, and he held a string of Buddhist beads in his hand, trembling.
Outside, thousands of imperial guards held the hilts of their swords, ready to draw them at any time.
Ning Yuanxian smiled slowly and asked Zhu Hongzhu, "Prime Minister, do you agree that I confer the title of Duke of the State of Yue on Ning Zheng? Or do you object? "
… …
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